Since I started creating anatomically similar knit creations, I've struggled with getting the octopus quite right. This time, I think I've got it!

The first thing I did, was completely change the mantle. I made the top of the mantle much like I normally do, a little narrower and longer than the last time. Instead of closing it, I added stitches back in, changed one stitch on each side so she has spiracles, and I gave her a bit more of a face.

The other challenge that I had to overcome with the mantle was to make the mantle turn before going into the legs and the beak. So, I consulted my mom - who is an experienced crochet fanatic (that reminds me, I need to post some kitchen updates!) - and she advised me of which stitches I would need to incorporate in order to get the turn I wanted. I'm more than impressed with what these adjustments did for the face of the octopus, and I'll definitely be incorporating into other projects - especially if and when I rework my seahorse.

There weren't any other major changes: I increased the length of the legs by 2/3 to make them a little more proportioned to the new mantle, and I kept the purple eyes and beak. The legs at this length also have a lot more curl to them than my last few octopus attempts.